Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions

3. Return to Mondstadt (4)

How much is the value of mora on the continent of Teyvat?

In reality, converting the value of mora on the Teyvat continent into the real currency value was a challenging task. This was because the price levels in the modern world and the Teyvat continent were fundamentally different.

The modern world had various mass production systems, including factory farming. Naturally, the prices of groceries and other necessities were incomparably higher than those on the Teyvat continent. Moreover, the modern world had a well-developed transportation system, unlike the Teyvat continent, which was more of a wilderness with monsters roaming around. Therefore, the costs associated with the distribution of goods were significantly higher, and the profit margins were staggering. The price levels in the modern world and the Teyvat continent were vastly different.

So, the discussion of ‘how much is 1 mora in terms of currency’ was fundamentally flawed from the outset. It was an argument that could never be established in the first place. Therefore, the true value of mora could only be vaguely felt while living on the Teyvat continent.

However, even if it wasn’t possible to accurately convert that value into the modern world’s currency units, there was no doubt about the enormity of ‘100 million mora.’ Of course, for a national-level organization like the Favonius Knights, whose budget could reach tens to hundreds of billions of mora, donating millions of mora might seem trivial at first glance.

However, the vast sum ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of billions of Mora was money with a purpose. There were pre-arranged budgets based on estimated tax revenues, as well as funds set aside for bills and upcoming payment deadlines. Within such budget constraints, freely moving money was nearly impossible.

So, the one hundred million Mora that could be spent at will, even for the Favonius Knights, was significant. The immediate release of three hundred million Mora could temporarily stabilize Mondstadt’s prices. From the perspective of the financially strained Favonius Knights, the amount was indispensable, considering increased expenses with a dwindling budget.

Who could be found to provide such a substantial amount in cash, and upfront as a sponsorship?

Of course, it might exist. Perhaps, before cash speculation became the trend due to the Anemo Archon incident. However, Mondstadt was currently in a crisis of the Windborne Blossoms, and Mora was the fundamental currency flowing through the entire Teyvat continent. Securing Mora had long been a top priority for the upper echelons of Mondstadt, facing challenges everywhere.

In such a situation, expecting a recently settled merchant in Mondstadt to pay one hundred million Mora was close to impossible. This applied even to Jin, the director known for his ingenuity.

No, precisely because of his ingenuity, Director Jin was likely making a rational and reasonable judgment. That could be inferred just by looking at the questions in Jin’s mind.

“S-So, you mean, Xiu? I, uh, heard that I just started a business…”

The honorifics and casual speech were mixed. It was clear evidence that Director Jin was extremely flustered. To avoid making it more awkward, I casually accepted his words.

“Yes, that’s right.”

To my answer, Director Jin asked with a voice expressing further confusion.

“Then, wouldn’t it be more reasonable to expand the business with that money…?”

Indeed, the reason why Director Jin did not anticipate me paying such a sum.

It was because the importance of initial capital was significant in the early stages of a business.

For example, let’s consider taking one hundred million Mora worth of Mondstadt specialties to Liyue. Then, you could sell the one hundred million Mora worth of Mondstadt specialties for around two to three hundred million Mora. With that money, you could buy necessities in Liyue and bring them back to Mondstadt, making a profit again. Ultimately, one hundred million Mora was money with the potential to instantly grow to four hundred million Mora.

Considering that the minimum time for such a transaction to take place was over a month, the loss of this one hundred million Mora was significant, considering the explosive growth of my business in the future. In terms of immediate future consideration, it was worth several hundred million Mora.

Therefore, it was natural that the astute Director Jin could not imagine the possibility of me paying such a sum. Who would pay one hundred million Mora at this point when the business was just beginning to grow? That amount could be paid in the more distant future, and as the scale of the business increased, it could even be several times that amount.

As a rational decision-maker, Director Jin could not comprehend it at all. Frankly, even when I called one hundred million Mora, my heart ached.

The total amount of money I earned from selling Mondstadt wine in Liyue was five hundred million.

Among them, the two hundred million Mora received in cash had already been paid as sales proceeds after passing through Down Winery, and the three hundred million Mora received in necessities had turned into four hundred million Mora through the profit in the distribution process.

So, my current total assets were four hundred million Mora. One hundred million Mora constituted 25% of that amount. The possibilities with that money were endless. Honestly, if I said it wasn’t regrettable, it would be a lie.

However, I believed it was worth it. In this world, there are things that can only be done now.

“……Isn’t a friend who helps you in difficult times a true friend?”

That was my answer. It was the answer I had come up with after a long deliberation. Director Jean, who was taken aback, seemed to have decided to listen to me for now. She closed her eyes and listened to my words.

“100 million mora is definitely a large sum of money, but the Favonius Knights represent Mondstadt. There are people who are willing to support them with that amount of money in order to borrow their prestige. That is, if the Stormterror crisis is resolved.”

That’s right. 100 million mora was definitely a large sum of money. But if you were to ask the Favonius Knights if they had that much money, they would also have to shake their heads. It was a sum of money that could only be used freely, but it wasn’t an enormous amount. However, assuming that the Favonius Knights were in a normal state.

But what about now? After the Stormterror crisis, the giants of Mondstadt had all secured their funds and were watching the situation. Mondstadt’s economy was in ruins, and there was no hope for tax revenue, and on top of that, there were expenses for a large-scale expedition as well as the cost of resolving the Stormterror crisis.

Even the Favonius Knights couldn’t avoid a financial crisis. But at a time like this, someone who willingly offered the funds that no one wanted to give.

That person was a true ‘friend’. It was not just a matter of buying and selling the prestige of the Knights.

“But right now, the Favonius Knights are not in a good position, are they? There are people in Mondstadt who hold on to their mora and don’t want to let go, and expenses keep increasing. Of course, 100 million mora is a large sum of money to me right now. But what makes 100 million mora valuable right now is that the Favonius Knights are in the same situation. Rather than 1 billion mora in the distant future, 100 million mora given in difficult times is more valuable.”

I asserted. That was the reason why I had to willingly give up 100 million mora now.

Considering my current situation or future profits while giving up money had no meaning. It was just a simple transaction. I give money, and in return, I borrow the prestige of the Favonius Knights.

But when the Favonius Knights were in trouble, it was a different story to support them with a loss that could be a big hemorrhage for me. It was closer to the meaning of becoming a reliable partner in difficult times than a transactional relationship.

To the extent of ‘Fate’s Cohesion,’ it went too far, but as I said, ‘friend’ might be the most appropriate expression.

Director Jean, who was quietly listening to me, finally let out a deep sigh. With a long exhale, she opened her eyes.

Her clear and blue eyes, which had momentarily lost their fatigue, meant that she understood everything.

“Siwoo, you’re a truly frightening person.”

Staring at me, Director Jean said so. Her gallant voice continued.

“You revealed your intentions to the acting Grand Master of the Favonius Knights. You’re willingly willing to bear the losses when the Knights are in trouble, and you’re looking for more than just the prestige of the Knights. It’s an offer that shouldn’t be accepted, but…”

Speaking in such a business-like tone, Director Jean finally let out a sigh as if there was no other choice. And she had a faint smile. A warm smile. Her voice began to carry warmth as well.

“…For some reason, I don’t feel bad being treated this honestly. Of course, the Knights are not in a position to hide anything right now.”

At those words, I let out a relieved sigh. Honestly, I had felt a bit uneasy because Director Jean’s voice just now was so businesslike.

In my mind, I knew that the Knights of Favonius were not in a position to refuse 100 million mora right now, but calculations and reality always had a way of deviating from each other.

But in the end, my calculations were correct, and it seemed like my gamble had paid off. If I could become friends with the Favonius Knights for 100 million mora, it would be a profitable deal that would last a long time.

As I clenched my fist inwardly, Director Jean asked calmly.

“By the way, Xiu, until when are you going to use honorifics?”

Huh? I was momentarily taken aback. Well, Director Jean did look young, but I was just a wanderer in Mondstadt, and Director Jean was the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Naturally, Director Jean should be condescending, and I should be respectful.

Could it be that Mondstadt’s etiquette was a little different? I asked, pretending not to understand.

“Well, since you’re the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, isn’t it natural for me to speak politely?”

At my words, Director Jean quietly lowered her head. She accepted my words with her calm and courteous voice.

“But now, Xiu, you’re a ‘friend’ of the Knights of Favonius, right?”

Ah, now I could finally understand Director Jean’s intention. There was no such thing as using honorifics between friends. Friends were equal, after all.

Of course, there were exceptional situations like me and Zhongli, but as a basic rule, friendship was based on informal speech.

“……I see. No, that’s right. Thank you, Jean.”

Finally, I felt a little bit of reality sinking in. When I was summoned to the Director’s office not long ago, I must have been a slightly strange foreigner running an unauthorized stall.

In just one month, I had become a collaborator of the Knights of Favonius, one of Mondstadt’s influential organizations.

I placed my left hand on my right chest and slightly bowed my head. It was a posture that Jean sometimes took when she got a little tipsy.

“Well then, Jean, I’ll be counting on you from now on.”

In response to my greeting, Jean also smiled faintly and returned the same gesture.

“It’s me who should be saying that, Xiu.”

And so, I was able to become a ‘friend’ of the Knights of Favonius. Ah, in the process, I feel like I’ve become a little closer to Director Jean too.

I had a feeling that I would meet Director Jean often in the future.

**

After sponsoring the Favonius Knights with 100 million Mora, I traveled around Mondstadt gathering information.

I needed to gather information to keep the Fatui in check, and more importantly, I had to come up with the next business idea.

Although the cost of living in Mondstadt had stabilized, it was only temporary. If I didn’t go to Liyue and replenish essential supplies, the cost of living in Mondstadt Castle would skyrocket again.

So I had to think of Mondstadt’s specialty products to take to Liyue. It would be convenient to bring “Mondstadt Wine” and make a contract with Tartaglia, but I was currently in conflict with the Fatui, and the previous trip was a special situation.

Unlike when the Down Winery had stockpiles, I had just cleaned up the surplus inventory of the Down Winery. I didn’t have the amount I wanted.

I had to go on the next trip as soon as possible, but I was in a difficult situation.

I heard from Lumine that the Anemo Archon, who was known as the “Breeze Herald” and protected Mondstadt, was now contaminated by a dangerous force. That’s why the Anemo Archon, now called the “Stormterror,” was attacking Mondstadt.

Lumine planned to use the “Harp of the Winds,” a divine instrument of the Wind God, to call the Stormterror and persuade it. Honestly, I doubted if persuasion would work, but Lumine seemed to have some confidence. Maybe there was another card up her sleeve that I didn’t know about.

Anyway, I wouldn’t be of any help in that situation, so I decided to watch Lumine’s plan. I had my own field of expertise.

However, I was a bit worried about exploring dangerous places to collect contaminated Tears of Desires to restore the power of the Harp of the Winds. Of course, I didn’t think the worst-case scenario would happen as Diluc or Director Jean would be with me.

By the way, I wanted to explore the “Abyss” too, but I didn’t know if Lumine had time for that. Even though I had game functions, I was confused about how to use them.

I shook my head, trying to clear my head from all these worries. Ugh, damn it. I had a headache. Maybe it would be better to go home and rest for a bit.

But as I was about to head home, my steps suddenly stopped, as if possessed.

It was because I saw familiar chestnut-colored hair in the distance. And even a red headband that reminded me of rabbit ears.

Although there was some distance, I immediately recognized who the person was. I shouted with a voice full of joy.

“Amber!”

“Huh? Who’s looking for me… Xingqiu!”

Amber, who turned around after hearing my voice, jumped in joy as soon as she saw me.

Amber and I ran towards each other and shook hands, sharing our joy. Amber seemed quite excited to see me after a long time.

“I heard the rumors, Siu! You went to Liwal?”

“Yeah, I did. I went through some hardships because of that. How about you? Is everything okay with your work these days?”

While Amber and I were exchanging greetings with joy, another person suddenly entered my sight.

She seemed to be with Amber. The first thing I noticed was her big hat, tied back black hair, and eyes that shimmered with a faint greenish hue.

Her overall attire had a reddish color. Along with the hat, it reminded me of a witch, giving off a slightly old-fashioned vibe.

Actually, more than just slightly. The skintight high-leg suit clung to her body, revealing every curve, and the smooth black tights encased her legs up to her hips.

The curves from her slender waist to her hips had a provocative aspect that stimulated a man’s desire. The clothes properly covered her body, but paradoxically, they also exposed all the curves of her body. I blushed slightly and turned my head.

Even Piesel and Lady Kamu had a decent level of exposure, but this woman was even more extreme.

“I have a lot of work as usual, but I’m tackling my missions with a joyful heart. I’m a scout for the Favonius Knights! And today, I found a suspicious person… huh?”

Amber noticed that I blushed and turned my head, and she tilted her head as if asking why I did that. There was a reason for it, but I didn’t explain the details to protect Amber’s innocent heart.

“Is that suspicious person… this person?”

When I gestured with my eyes towards the audaciously dressed woman, Amber suddenly realized and exclaimed, “Yeah, that’s right. Doesn’t she look suspicious at first glance?”

Indeed, I stroked my chin and observed that woman. She was glaring at Amber with a dissatisfied look, but a human walking around in such attire couldn’t be considered normal.

“…Is she a witch?”

“No way?!!”

The woman, whose name I didn’t know, immediately got angry. Her voice was as beautiful as her face. But why would she choose to wear such clothes?

Whether she knew or not about my doubts, the woman clenched her fist, trembled, and then took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

And soon, she pretended to put her hand on her chest and spoke in a haughty voice.

“My name is Astrologist Mona Megistos, which means ‘Great Astrologist Mona.’ I am not a witch!”

Judging by her need to add a word, it seems that the label of ‘witch’ bothered her quite a bit. However, I couldn’t help but think that it was not Mona’s problem, but rather the issue of her peculiar attire.

And to call herself the ‘Great Astrologist Mona,’ it was undoubtedly an introduction that raised suspicions.

As Amber and I locked eyes in mid-air, we both involuntarily nodded our heads. It happened simultaneously.

“What’s with that reaction?! Ugh, I hate it now… I clearly saw a fate where I would meet a foreigner if I waited in Liyue….”

Mona seemed to be about to throw another fit, but eventually she seemed to lose her energy and slumped her shoulders, mumbling something to herself.

Looking at her again, her demeanor seemed quite pitiful. Her clothes were clean, but her face showed signs of exhaustion, and her gestures were strangely weak. And she didn’t have much luggage either.

Such a poor person. Sympathy flashed in my eyes. And memories of my past came to mind. The days when I had to worry about survival after being stranded in the Teyvat continent. The story of tears that I wouldn’t have overcome without Lumine passed by like a panorama.

In the end, I let out a deep sigh.

“Amber, let me take care of this woman for now. She looks like she’s been through a lot, but at least we should feed her so we can have a conversation, right?”

“Huh? Are you sure, Xiu?”

In response to my suggestion, Amber asked me, seemingly surprised. I nodded as a sign that I was fine. Providing a meal wasn’t a bad idea. It was something I always did.

Observing my reaction, Amber closed her eyes, crossed her arms, and seemed to be contemplating, making a hmm sound. But that too was brief, and soon Amber responded with a refreshing voice.

“Okay, Xiu, I trust you! If anything happens, contact the Knights of Favonius.”

“Sure, don’t worry.”

As Mona watched the conversation between me and Amber, she snorted. She seemed dissatisfied with something.

“Hmph, I am the Great Astrologist Mona. I shouldn’t be swayed by such cheap sympathy…”

A scoffing sound.

Of course, it wasn’t directed towards me and Amber. If that’s the case, there was only one answer.

Mona’s face gradually turned red. Well, it must be embarrassing. She kept making that scoffing sound with her arrogant posture intact.

Me and Amber stood there, not saying a word, trying to understand Mona’s heart. Finally, Mona, her face flushed, stammered out her words.

“……B-but it’s impolite to refuse the kindness of a stranger. Yeah, so it’s unavoidable.”

That was how me and Mona first met.

My initial impression of Mona, yeah.

She was a “pitiful woman.”